Jessica Long is a hand embroidery artist currently living near Phoenix, Arizona.

How did you get into embroidery?

After the birth of my son in 2014 I picked up hand embroidery as a way to relax and feed my creative spirit while on maternity leave. I was inspired by a friend who posted her work on social media and I started with a Trish Burr kit. I was immediately hooked and have been playing with thread and teaching myself ever since!

Do you have a background in design?

I don’t but I’ve always loved drawing. I took some art classes in college but ultimately graduated with a BS in biology. I worked in biotech labs for almost a decade but always saved time for my creative self by drawing and painting on the weekends.

What are some of your favourite stitches?

It’s so hard to choose! It depends on my mood and the project but I love the versatility of long and short stitch. 

Are there any stitches you’re keen on learning?

All of them! In time. I love the look of cast on stitch roses and hope to incorporate more into my patterns in the future. I try not to just repeat the same familiar stitches in every design although it is very easy to do!

Where do you get your materials and threads from?

I use DMC floss for most of my patterns as they are often easier for stitchers in the US to find. But I sure do love Cosmo floss from Japan – it is just so soft and the colors are amazing. 

How do you start a new piece of work, what’s your design process?

I always start with pencil and paper. I recently “upgraded” to an iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil but I still like to begin with a good old fashioned sketch. But it’s great to be able to try out different colours digitally rather than having to pull stitches out of the real piece. After deciding on the basic design and colours I grab matching floss and get stitching! Things can change dramatically from that initial pencil sketch to the final piece, and that’s okay. If something isn’t working I have to be quick to recognise it and cut it out, even if I have a lot of time investing in the handiwork. 

Are you overwhelmed with designs and ideas or does it take time to find new embroideries to stitch?

I’ve got multiple running lists of ideas but don’t know where any of them are right now. Organised chaos. Too many ideas, not enough time!

Do you embroider for fun or is it a full time job?

Designing hand embroidery projects is now my full time job! Seriously I have to pinch myself every day. I never thought I’d be able to make a career as an artist. It’s nothing like I thought it would look like and that’s totally okay. 

How do you find using Instagram? Do you ever worry your work will be copied? 

Instagram can be fun if you don’t take it too seriously. My work does get copied and I regularly find my designs being sold illegally on Amazon, Ebay and even Etsy. Reporting copycats steals my time but I try to not let it steal my sanity.

Do you ever feel nervous or anxious your followers won’t like your work?

Totally! And often times my favourite pieces totally flop. And my least favourite work will be a huge hit! I don’t get it but I know that it’s not worth my time to worry about it. I just keep doing me. 

Do you ever feel pressured to post images that you know will get lots of likes instead of simply posting what you like?

I do. Sometimes I repost popular photos, to fill in when I don’t have anything new to share but also to bump up engagement. But again I have to remember why I am on social media. I want to share my work but I also need sales to support my business so I can keep creating. If a post has low engagement but generates sales…great!

What do you love about embroidery?

Hand embroidery is a slow craft and I love to get lost in the details. It really is a like a moving meditation! A chance to relax, unplug, and create something beautiful with my hands. What’s not to love?

 Follow Jessica here. Headshot photo by My Blueprint.